1970 Hank Aaron Atlanta Braves Signed Game-Used Home Jersey - MEARS A10

Sold For:

$66,000

Year:

1970

Auction:

2015 Spring

Lot #:

1120

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

Atlanta Braves home jersey worn by Hall of Fame outfielder Hank Aaron in 1970. Graded a perfect A10 by MEARS. In addition to being an exceptional Hank Aaron jersey, this particular garment is also a rare Atlanta Braves "style" jersey. It was only used by the club for the four-year period 1968-1971. It also dates from the final year in which the Braves wore flannel uniforms, with the club opting for knit uniforms the following season. The white flannel pinstripe jersey is lettered "Braves" across the front and features the number "44" on the reverse. All letters and numerals are appliquéd in navy tackle twill. A Braves "Screaming Indian" patch appears on the left sleeve. The player's name, the year, and the jersey's set number ("H. Aaron/1970 - Set 1") are chain-stitched in black upon a white strip tag in the collar. A "Wilson 40" label is located on the left front tail. Aaron has signed the jersey in blue Sharpie (grading "7/8") in the collar. The jersey is original as issued, with no alterations, and displays moderate wear throughout. Aaron posted his usual gaudy numbers in 1970, finishing the year with 38 home runs, 118 RBI, and a .298 batting average. Aaron also achieved an important career milestone in 1970 when he became one of only nine players up to that time to collect 3,000 or more hits in his career. That historic occasion occurred on May 17th in Cincinnati and made him the first player in history to have both 3,000 hits and 500 home runs. Early 1970s Hank Aaron jerseys are rare, especially flannels. That fact (this is the only Hank Aaron flannel we have offered since 1997!), combined with its impeccable condition, make this one of the finest Aaron jerseys we have ever handled, and one that would be a significant highlight in any world-class Hall of Fame jersey collection. This jersey has seen the auction block once before: It appeared as Lot 1451 in REA's May 2013 auction, where it realized $53,325. It has been consigned directly by the original purchaser. Though it is being offered simply due to a change in the owner's collecting focus, as opposed to a profit motivation, it would be hard to miss the increasing appreciation in the marketplace for the very best game-used flannel jerseys of Hall of Fame superstars. In December 2014, a 1968-1969 Hank Aaron jersey sold for $121,122 at SCP Auctions. Like the offered game-used 1970 Hank Aaron flannel jersey, the 1968-1969 Hank Aaron jersey was also signed and also graded A10 by MEARS, but was a road jersey. Many collectors consider home jerseys to be slightly more desirable than road jerseys. While the minimum bid and estimate for the offered jersey in this auction remains the same as when sold years ago (per the instructions of the consignor), it would not surprise us to see this jersey sell for a premium compared to its last selling price. LOA from Troy Kinunen and Dave Grob/MEARS and LOA from James Spence/JSA. Reserve $10,000. Estimate $20,000+. SOLD FOR $66,000